Express delivers in Thurles opener

It was heavy ground when Hampshire Express benefited from the final fence fall of Finian's Rainbow (now an exciting horse with Nicky Henderson) in an Inch point-to-point in March 2008 and the son of Dushyantor showed the benefit of that experience to outstay the opposition on his chasing bow in the Irish Stallion Farms European Breeders Fund Beginners Chase at Thurles under Ruby Walsh.

Front-running favourite Bob Lingo Elysian Rock and Lastoftheleaders looked likely winners at different stages but Willie Mullins' well-backed winner (11/2 into 4/1) came home best to prevail.

Mullins said: "I'm delighted with that. A lot of mine are needing a run but he jumps well and Ruby got one good run out of him from before the last. He won't go for anything flashy, we'll keep it country for the time being and he could have another couple of runs before Christmas.

"He shows more at home than he has done so far on the track."

Unfortunately Slievecorragh who fell seven out injured himself fatally when running loose after the final fence. This son of Celtic Swing had been a good servant to Tom McParland and Francis Flood, winning six races.